Topeka Habitat for Humanity Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Upcoming Builds

Topeka Habitat for Humanity held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 2630 SW Buchanan Street commencing at 10:30 a.m. This groundbreaking ceremony celebrated the start of construction for Topeka Habitat’s 109th newly constructed home, as well as a collaborative partnership with Kansas Secured Title, the City of Topeka and the Quinton Heights-Steele neighborhood, which will culminate in the construction of a minimum of nine homes in a three-block radius over the coming three years.

“The impact of being able to build strategically in a concentrated area allows us to not only build homes, as an organization, but to build community through neighborhood revitalization and building upon the strengths of the existing neighborhood and incorporating the strengths of our volunteers and partner families that will soon own the newly constructed homes,” says Janice Watkins, Executive Director, Topeka Habitat for Humanity.

The groundbreaking ceremony highlights the large donation of land that will allow the concerted construction from Kansas Secured Title.

“Since 1948, Kansas Secured Title has continued to be one of Kansas’ premier providers of Title and Closing services. Kansas Secured Title believes in giving back to the community. We feel this is a way we can assist families in need and help the real estate industry in Topeka at the same time, “says Ranae Baum, Closing Manager, Kansas Secured Title.

The ceremony additionally celebrated a commitment of funding from the City of Topeka and the Quinton Heights-Steele neighborhood.

“Quinton Heights Steele Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA) was a 2017 SORT (Stages of Resource Targeting) recipient.  In the summer of 2019 the NIA voted to dedicate the remaining SORT housing funding to the Habitat infill project.  This funding will help Habitat achieve their goal of nine owner-occupied homes for this neighborhood and the City’s overall goal of supporting infill development.  We are fortunate to have such bold and visionary partners working beside us in Topeka neighborhoods!” says Brent Trout, City Manager, City of Topeka.

Topeka Habitat’s 109th Family – the Carpenters – Jeff, Amy, William (12) and Adella (6) – participated in the ceremony.